EPA keeps in place restrictions on Alaska mine project

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Friday it is leaving in place restrictions on the proposed Pebble Mine copper and gold mine project in southwest Alaska's Bristol Bay region.

"It is my judgment at this time that any mining projects in the region likely pose a risk to the abundant natural resources that exist there," EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said in a statement.

"Until we know the full extent of that risk, those natural resources and world-class fisheries deserve the utmost protection," he said.